Magnolia Species Reflectance Library

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The classification of vegetation species by hyperspectral airborne sensors is facilitated by a reference library of the reflectance curves of the vegetation species under investigation. However, for most vegetation species no libraries have been created or are available to the public. When available, the sample size tends to be rather small or the precise species has not been identified.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) has about 80 species of Magnolias, some of which are on the endangered list. The lack of reference reflectance has hampered the classification and identification of Magnolias in the SFBD from airborne hyperspectral images. Researchers from the Department of Geography & Environment at San Francisco State University have teamed up with the SFBG and taken an image of a healthy leaf from about 40 species using the SOC710-VP Hyperspectral Imager from Surface Optics. Atmospheric conditions were measured simultaneously in order to be able to correct for skylight, sun angle and illumination conditions. The expected outcome is a Magnolia reflectance library, which will made available to the public.

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